South Asia: Harnessing technology to Counter Cyber-Enabled Trafficking in Persons
A series of trainings on preventing and responding to cyber-enabled trafficking in persons were organized by UNODC in September. Trainings were carried out in an online format or – where feasible, in a hybrid format wherein the trainers were present locally (local government functionaries and UNODC team), as well as online (sessions moderated and conducted by team in India, and with technical trainers joining online for sessions). In September, trainings were conducted for multiple stakeholders (government as well as civil society) from Bhutan (24 participants from 8 agencies, ministries and departments), Sri Lanka (21 participants from 7 agencies, ministries and departments, and Maldives (30 participants from 11 agencies, ministries and departments). Trainings in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, will be carried out in the coming weeks. The trainings were very well received and interactive, and interlocutors highlighted the need for continued capacity building on the technological aspects of countering Trafficking in Persons.
(Supported by Government of Sweden)
Sri Lanka: Capacity Building of Community-level Officers
With an aim to strengthen the professional capacities of grassroot officials and community groups, UNODC convened two capacity building workshops on countering human trafficking in the city of Kurunegala, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The training was attended by over 60 participants from diverse walks of life, including field officers attached to District and Divisional Secretariats, counselling officers, migration development officers, journalists and volunteers working with civil society organizations. The discussion focused on ways to identify cases of human trafficking and the responsibility of the community, among other themes. The workshop drew appreciation from community workers who pointed to the lack of such opportunities and exposure.
(Supported by British High Commission, Colombo)
Bhutan: Awareness Video on Blue Heart CampaignA short video was produced by IBEST in support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in September, focusing on the global Blue Heart Campaign in Bhutan. The campaign aims to promote and strengthen awareness against Trafficking in Persons. It seeks to encourage involvement from governments, civil society, the corporate sector and individuals alike, to inspire action and help prevent this heinous crime. The Blue Heart is increasingly recognized as the international symbol against human trafficking, representing the sadness of those who are trafficked while reminding us of the cold-heartedness of those who buy and sell fellow human beings. The campaign encourages people to show their solidarity with the victims of human trafficking by wearing the Blue Heart.
Fostering Youth Engagement through Education for Justice, Peace and SDGs
India: The Lockdown Learners Series on SDGs and Peace
Bridging socio-economic divides, UNODC’s “Lockdown Learners” series continues to gather traction with new schools and NGOs joining hands in support of Education for Justice Initiative. In September, over 15 online interactive dialogues on COVID-19 and its impact on peace, the rule of law and UNODC mandates have been conducted with students and educators from both urban and rural backgrounds. Using online platforms such as Google Meet, as well as Whatsapp and Voicenotes, the sessions engaged youth on emerging social risks, crime prevention, peace and the Global Goals. Since the inception of the series in April, UNODC has conducted over 140 interactive sessions, directly connecting with over 3,300 students, and E4J resources have been shared with nearly 15,000 students across 10 states and Union Territories in India. The series has received positive feedback from educators, young people, civil society and the media. UNODC is also providing knowledge support and mentorship to student-driven initiatives in support of E4J. Through interactive dialogues, activity-based learning, open exchange of ideas and creation of action networks, youth have been promoting Education for Justice, Peace and the SDGs, in line with the UN 75 Campaign. The series places a special focus on engaging with economically disadvantaged groups and students from rural and low-income groups.
(Supported by Government of Qatar)
Bangladesh: Promoting Teaching Innovations in Tertiary-level Education
In support of Education for Justice (E4J) Initiative, UNODC, under the framework of GLO.ACT-Bangladesh, organized an expert workshop with faculty members on teaching on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants along with 45 participants (22 female and 23 male). The main objective of the workshop was to bring together the relevant academics within Bangladesh to discuss, reflect upon and practice various aspects relevant to teaching the E4J modules on Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants.
(Supported by Government of Qatar)
India: Supporting Youth-led Efforts for Peace, Justice and SDGsExtending support to UNODC’s Lockdown Learners series, three prominent schools from New Delhi—namely the Tagore International Schools (Vasant Vihar and East of Kailash) and The Army Public School (Dhaula Kuan)-- convened a series of students-led dialogues in September, with knowledge support from UNODC to commemorate the Global Goals and UN75 . Reflecting on SDGs and peace, the participating students shared their thoughts on what inspires them to act for the rule of law.
India: Promoting Peace and SDGs through Universities
At a special lecture convened by Amity University (Patna) on 14 September, UNODC engaged with over 100 graduate students and educators from the streams of mass media and law. The discussion was focused on the role of youth in promoting peace and SDGs amid COVID19, and building resilient and inclusive societies. Tertiary level tools developed by UNODC under the Education for Justice Initiative were also introduced to the participants at the program. During the conversation, students pledged to act against emerging issues such as gender divides, discrimination, misinformation, pollution and violence, among others. The role of youth-led, youth-focused clubs and social campaigns was discussed, besides innovative ideas shared by students, such as continued dialogues with parents on gender barriers, education, misinformation and discrimination.
(Supported by Government of Qatar)
India: Commemorating the Global SDGs Week and UN75
UNODC provided knowledge support to an “SDG Mega Marathon”—a student-led initiative convened by New Delhi’s Ahlcon School in support of the Education for Justice Initiative on 19 September. The event marked the ‘Global SDGs Week,’ and featured panel discussions and student performances on different SDGs (including SDG 16). The dialogues focused on COVID-19 and its impact on the SDGs, the role of young people in shaping the future they want, and ways to strengthen peace, empathy and the rule of law through education. On 21 September, UNODC joined over 200 students and educators from the Kamla Nehru Public School, Phagwara in India’s Punjab state to marking the International Peace Day. Students from across diverse socio-economic backgrounds extended support to inclusiveness, harmony and Education for Justice with songs, speeches and dance.
Strengthening Criminal Justice Responses and Countering Terrorism
UNODC convened a 5-day virtual training from 20–24 September on the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ in the Maldives. Over 37 Prison officers from the Maldives Correctional Services from four different prisons across the country virtually joined in for the training. The training built on the UNODC e-course on Nelson Mandela Rules. UNODC Prison consultant from Kenya Prison Service delivered the training. Prior to the training, participating prison officers received a hard copy of the Dhivehi (local language) translation of the Nelson Mandela Rules. Prison officers from islands, despite connectivity challenges, also joined the training in groups from their respective locations. The trainings were conducted in English and Dhivehi through translation support from the National Programme Coordinator on the EU project and with the assistance from officers from the Maldives Correctional Service. The training has received very positive feedback from the participants and from the Honorable Minister of Home Affairs and the Commissioner of Prisons, Government of the Maldives.
(Supported by European Union)
Sri Lanka: Promoting Non-Custodial Measures and Mandela Rules in Prisons A workshop on promoting alternatives to imprisonment was conducted in Kandy on 25-26 September for officers of the Community-Based Corrections Department working in the Central and North Central Provinces of Sri Lanka. The workshop aimed at building capacities of over 30 participant officials in implementing community correction orders and non-custodial measures. The discussions focused on the international framework governing alternatives to imprisonment, implementation of Community Based Corrections Program at various levels, referring drug addicts for rehabilitation using community orders, and the judicial perspective.
(Supported by Germany)
Bangladesh: Countering the Use of Harmful Online Content for Terrorist Acts
On 8-9 September 2020, UNODC held an online sub-regional meeting on countering the use of online content to encourage, motivate and recruit others to commit terrorist acts. The event, funded by Japan and the European Union and arranged in cooperation with Interpol, brought together law enforcement and criminal justice officials from Bangladesh, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The objective of the event was to strengthen the capacity of the participating law enforcement officials in identifying and responding to harmful online content, including by providing recommendations on standard procedures for the establishment of Internet Referral Units to define national procedures.
(Supported by EU and Japan)
Multimedia and Podcasts
UNODC Conversations
Dr. Sunitha Krishnan, Co-Founder, Prajwala (India)
Youth Dialogues: SDGs and UN75
Tagore International School
(Vasant Vihar, New Delhi)
Youth Dialogues: SDGs and UN75
Tagore International School
(East of Kailash, New Delhi)
Youth Dialogues: SDGs and UN75
Army Public School
(Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi)
Special Request
Key Links and Resources
Latest updates and information on UN Responses to COVID-19:
Our activities in South Asia are possible
due to the generous support of:
British High Commission, Colombo
European Union
Germany
Japan
Sweden
Qatar
United States of America
UNHCR
Government Partners:
Bangladesh
Bhutan
India
Maldives
Nepal
Sri Lanka
BE A PARTNER: MAKE AN IMPACT
In response to COVID-19, and its impact on vulnerable groups and emerging risks to security and peace, UNODC Regional Office for South Asia has developed a wide range of projects and initiatives on the following thematic areas:
-- Addressing Gender-based Violence
-- Strengthening Law Enforcement Responses
-- Countering Corruption
-- Youth Engagement through Education
-- Promoting Family Skills
-- Addressing the Needs of Drug Users, those with HIV/AIDS and Hep-C and those in prison settings
-- Strengthening Responses to COVID-19 in Prisons
-- Countering Cybercrime and Promoting Online Safety
-- Responding to the Needs of Human Trafficking Survivors, Refugees, Migrants and the Homeless
Activesupport from partners is requested to enable the implementation of these programs and to scale-up efforts to promote security, justice and health among vulnerable groups in South Asia. Our partnerships aim at building national and regional alliances on our mandates, which are closely linked to national, regional and global priorities as well as the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Let's join hands to enable and aid large-scale and impactful initiatives that help people lead safer and healthier lives . Your support can make all the difference!
To know more, please contact:
Mr. Samarth Pathak
Communications Officer
UNODC Regional Office for South Asia
Email: samarth.pathak@un.org Cellphone: +91-9811347927
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) assists Member States in their efforts to combat illicit drugs and international crime. Over the past two decades, the UNODC Regional Office for South Asia(ROSA) has been working with governments and civil society in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, providing specialized assistance to address challenges pertaining to drugs, organised crime, security, justice and health. The commitment to Sustainable Development Goals, human rights and the rule of law is at the core of our mandate.
